Jared Cook
TE, South Carolina · 2009 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #89 (TEN)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: pre-draft rankings, age, availability. Details below.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #51 overall (#4 at his position), but he lasted until pick #89: teams let him slide 38 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (654 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 194 of ~209 possible regular-season games from 2009 through 2021 (~93%). Last NFL season: 2021.
- School
South Carolina: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at 246 lbs: faster than 97% of TEs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
TE (TE group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 37.1% of the time (321 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 194 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 5 |
| Pro Bowls | 2 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 48 |
| Rushing | 1 att, 0 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 553 rec, 7,237 yds, 45 TD |
| Defense | 8 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2021 |
The 2009 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2009 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 32+ picks past ESPN's rank | 53.2% n=654 | |
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position TE | 37.1% n=321 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 5", 246 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.49 s |
| Bench press | 23 reps |
| Vertical | 41" |
| Broad jump | 123" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #51 overall (#4 TE) |
Picked around him 2009 redraft
| 86 | Asher Allen | redraft #117 |
| 87 | Patrick Turner | redraft #195 |
| 88 | Lardarius Webb | redraft #38 |
| 90 | Chris Owens | redraft #111 |
| 91 | Deon Butler | redraft #146 |
| 92 | Jerraud Powers | redraft #54 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.